Car Audio
Single vs Dual Voice Coil Subwoofers | SVC vs DVC Explained
Blackout Team· Window Tinting Experts
·5 min read
Single vs dual voice coil subwoofer comparison. Learn the differences, wiring options, and which is better for your system.
Single vs Dual Voice Coil Subwoofers
Voice coil configuration affects wiring options. Here's what SVC and DVC mean and which one you need.
What's the Difference?
Single Voice Coil (SVC)
- One coil, one impedance
- Fixed final impedance
- Simpler wiring
Dual Voice Coil (DVC)
- Two coils, two connections
- Multiple wiring options
- More flexibility
Wiring Options
SVC Subwoofers
| Subs | Config | Final Ohms |
|---|---|---|
| 1x 4Ω SVC | Single | 4Ω |
| 2x 4Ω SVC | Parallel | 2Ω |
| 2x 4Ω SVC | Series | 8Ω |
DVC Subwoofers
| Subs | Coil Config | Final Ohms |
|---|---|---|
| 1x 4Ω DVC | Parallel | 2Ω |
| 1x 4Ω DVC | Series | 8Ω |
| 2x 4Ω DVC | All parallel | 1Ω |
| 2x 4Ω DVC | Coils series, subs parallel | 4Ω |
| 2x 2Ω DVC | All parallel | 0.5Ω |
| 2x 2Ω DVC | Coils parallel, subs series | 2Ω |
Why DVC Exists
Flexibility
DVC lets you hit your amp's optimal impedance:
- 1Ω for Class D mono amps
- 2Ω for most modern amps
- 4Ω for older/speaker amps
Example
You have a mono amp stable to 2Ω:
| Sub Choice | Wiring | Result |
|---|---|---|
| 4Ω SVC | One sub | 4Ω (not optimal) |
| 4Ω DVC | Coils parallel | 2Ω ✓ |
| Two 4Ω SVC | Parallel | 2Ω ✓ |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose SVC If:
- Simple single-sub install
- Amp matches sub impedance
- Budget is priority
Choose DVC If:
- Want wiring flexibility
- Planning future expansion
- Need specific impedance match
- Running multiple subs
Common Mistakes
| Mistake | Problem |
|---|---|
| Too low impedance | Amp overheats/protects |
| Too high impedance | Amp doesn't give full power |
| Wrong wiring | Sub damage possible |
Power Considerations
Voice coil config doesn't change power handling—a 500W sub handles 500W whether SVC or DVC.
What changes: How multiple coils divide power (DVC coils split wattage).
📞 Call 408-848-8468 — we'll help you choose
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